ing lip, eyes that roll and languish, and seem to speak the exquisite pleasure her arms could give. Col. B. Oh! I am fired with this description-'tis the very she. What's her name? Fred. Isabella. You are transported, colonel. Col. B. I have a natural tendency in me to the flesh, thou know'st-and who can hear of charms so exquisite, and yet remain unmoved? Oh, how I long for the appointed hour! I'll to the Terriero de Passa, and wait my happiness: if she fails to meet me, I'll once more attempt to find her at Violante's, in spite of her brother's jealousy. [Aside.] Daar Frederick, I beg your pardon, but I had forgot I was to meet a gentleman upon business at five: I'll endeavour to despatch him, and wait upon you again as soon as possible. Fed. Your humble servant, Colonel. [Exit. Col. B. Gibby, I have no business with you at present. You may go to the devil. [Erit. Gibby. That's weel. Now will I gang and seek this loon, and gar him gang with me to Don Pedro's hoose. Gin he'll no gang of himself, Ise gar him gang by the lug, sir. Gadswarbit! Gibby hates a leer. SCENE II.-Violante's Lodgings. to the respect that I have paid you, all you do shall be indifferent to me for the future; and you shall find me abandon your empire with so little difficulty, that I'll convince the world your chains are not so hard to break as your vanity would tempt you to believe.-I cannot brook the provocation you give. Vio. This is not to be borne-Insolent! you abandon! you! whom I have so often forbade ever to see me more! Have you not fallen at my feet? implored my favour and forgiveness? did you not trembling wait, and wish, and sigh, and swear yourself into my heart? Ungrateful man! if my chains are so easily broken as you pretend, then you are the silliest coxcomb living you did not break them long ago; and I must think him capable of brooking anything, on whom such usage could make no impression. Fel. I always believed, madam, my weakness was the greatest addition to your power; you would be less imperious had my inclination been less forward to oblige you. You have indeed forbade me your sight, but your vanity even then assured you I would return, and I was fool enough to feed your pride. Your eyes, with all their boasted charms, have ac[Exit.quired their greatest glory in conquering me-and the brightest passage of your life is wounding this heart with such arms as pierce but few persons of my rank. [Walks about. Enter VIOLANTE and ISABELLA. Vio. What, does your courage sink, Isabella? Flora. Don Felix is coming up, madam. Vio. I will. Vio. Matchless arrogance! True, sir, I should have kept measures better with you, if the conquest had been worth preserving: but we easily hazard what gives us no pain to lose. As for my eyes, you are mistaken if you think they have vanquished none but you: there are men above your boasted rank who have confessed their power, when their misfortune in pleasing you made them obtain such a disgraceful victory. Fel. Yes, madam, I am no stranger to your victories. Vio. And what you call the brightest passage of my life is not the least glorious part of yours. Fel. Ha, ha! don't put yourself in a passion, madam; for, I assure you, after this day, I shall give you no trouble. You may meet your sparks on the Felix, what brings you back so soon? did I not say Terriero de Passa at four in the morning, without Enter FELIX in a surly humour. to-morrow? the least regard to me,-for when I quit your cham Fel. My passion chokes me; I cannot speak-ber, the world sha'n't bring me back. Aside-Throws himself into a chair. Fel. With what an air she carries it !-I'm asto- [Here he affects to be careless of her. Fel. I am very sensible, madam, of what you mean I disturb you, no doubt; but were I in a better humour, I should not incommode you less: I am too well convinced you could easily dispense with my visits. Vio. I am so well pleased with your resolution, I don't care how soon you take your leave. But what you mean by the Terriero de Passa at four in the morning, I can't guess. Fel. No, no, no! not you. You were not upon the Terriero de Passa at four this morning! Vio. No, I was not; but if I were, I hope I may walk where I please, and at what hour I please, without asking your leave? Fel. Oh, doubtless, madam!-and you might meet Colonel Briton there, and afterwards send your emissary to fetch him to your house-and, upon your father's coming in, thrust him into your bedchamber-without asking my leave! 'Tis no business of mine, if you are exposed among all the footmen in town-nay, if they ballad you, and ery you about at a half-penny a-piece-they may, without my leave! Vio. When you behave yourself as you ought to Vio. Audacious !-don't provoke me-don't: my do, no company so welcome-but when you reserve reputation is not to be sported with [going up to for me your ill-nature, I wave your merit, and con-him,] at this rate-no, sir, it is not. [Bursting into sider what's due to myself. And I must be free to tears. Inhuman Felix! [Sits.] Oh, Isabella! what tell you, Felix, that these humours of yours will a train of ills hast thou brought on me[Anide. abate, if not absolutely destroy, the very principles Fel. Ha! I cannot bear to see her weep-a wo of love. man's tears are far more fatal than our swords. Fel. Rising.] And I must be so free to tell you, [Aside.]-Oh, Violante!-'Sdeath! what a dog am madam, that, since you have made such ill returns! Now have I no power to stir.-Dost not thou know such a person as Colonel Briton? Pr'ythee, tell me. Going to her.] Didst thou not meet him at four this morning upon the Terriero de Passa? Vio. Were it not to clear my fame, I would not answer thee, thou black ingrate!-but I cannot bear to be reprcached with what I even blush to think of, much less act. By heaven! I have not seen the Terriero de Passa this day. Fel. Did not a Scotch footman attack you in the street neither, Violante? Vio. Yes-but he mistook me for another-or he was drunk, I know not which. Fel. And do not you know this Scotch colonel? Vio. Pray ask me no more questions: this night shall clear my reputation, and leave you without excuse for your base suspicions. More than this, I shall not satisfy you-therefore, pray leave me. Fel. Didst thou ever love me, Violante? Vio. I'll answer nothing-You was in haste to be gone just now; I should be very well pleased to be alone, sir. Fel. 'Sdeath! what shall I say now? Ped. Don Felix! Pray, what's your business in my house-ha, sir? Vio. Oh, sir! what miracle returned you home so soon? Some angel 'twas that brought my father back, to succour the distressed. This ruffian, he—I cannot call him gentleman-has committed such an uncommon rudeness, as the most profligate wretch would be ashamed to own. [Aside. Fel. What does she mean? Vio. As I was at my devotion in my closet, I heard a loud knocking at my door, mixed with a woman's voice, which seemed to imply she was in danger. I flew to the door with the utmost speed, where a lady, veiled, rushed in upon me; who, falling on her knees, begged my protection from a gentleman who, she said, pursued her. I took compassion on her tears, and locked her into this closet; but in the surprise, having left open the door, this very person, whom you see with his sword drawn, ran in, protestSits down.ing, if I did not give her up to his revenge, he'd force the door. Fel. What the devil does she mean to do ?-hang Aside. Vio. I strove with him till I was out of breath, and had you not come as you did, he must have entered. But he's in drink, I suppose; or he could not have been guilty of such an indecorum. Fel. I shall not interrupt your contemplation. Stubborn to the last. [Aside. Vio. Didever woman involve herself as I have done! Fel. Now would I give one of my eyes to be friends with her, for something whispers to my soul she is not guilty. He pauses, then takes a chair, and sits by her at a little distance, looking at her some time without speaking, then draws a little nearer to her.]Give me your hand at parting, however, Violante, won't you-[He lays his hand upon her knee several tires, won't you-won't you-won't you? me? Ped. I am amazed! [Leering at FELIX, Fel. The devil never failed a woman at a pinch: -what a tale has she formed in a minute! In drink, quotha! a good hint: I'll lay hold on't to bring Vio. Half regarding him. Won't I do what? [Aside. Ped. Fie, Don Felix! No sooner rid of one broil, but you are commencing another? To assault a lady with a naked sword derogates much from the character of a gentleman, I assure you. Vio. [Smiling.] I thought my chains were easily broken. [Lays her hand into his. Fel. Draws his chair close to her, and kisses her hand.] Too well thou knowest thy strength.-Oh, my charming angel! my heart is all thy own. For-lady-upon honour, the lady assaulted me, sir, and give my hasty passion-'tis the transport of a love sincere. Oh, Violante! Violante! Pedro. [Within.] Bid Sancho get a new wheel to my chariot presently. Vio. Bless me, my father returned; what shall we do now, Felix? We are ruined past redemption. Fel. No, no, no, my love, I can leap from the closet window. [Runs to the door where ISABELLA is, who claps to the door, and bolts it withinside.] Confusion! somebody bolts the door withinside. Oh, Violante! hast thou again sacrificed me to my rival? [Draws. Vio. By heaven, thou hast no rival in my heart! Let that suffice. Nay, sure, you will not let my father find you here-Distraction! Fel. Indeed but I shall-unless you command this door to be opened, and that way conceal me from his sight. He struggles with her to come at the door. Vio. Hear me, Felix-though I were sure the refusing what you ask would separate us for ever, by all that's powerful, you shall not enter here. Either you do love me, or you do not: convince me by your obedience. Fel. That's not the matter in debate-I will know who is in this closet, let the consequence be what it will. Nay, nay, you strive in vain-I will go in. Vio. You shall not go Fel. I will go in. Enter Don Pedro. Ped. Hey-day! what's here to do? I will go in,and you sha'n't go in-and I will go in. Why, who are you, sir? Fel. [Counterfeits drunkenness.] Who, I assault? would have seized this body politic on the king's highway. Let her come out, and deny it if she can. Pray, sir, command the door to be opened; and let her prove me a liar, if she knows how. Ped. Ay, ay! open the door, Violante, and let the lady come out. Come, I warrant thee he sha'n't hurt her. Fel. No, no, I won't the dear creature.-Now now! which way will you come off now? [Aside. Vio. Unlocks the door.] Come forth, madam! None shall dare to touch your veil-I'll convey you out with safety, or lose my life. I hope she understands me. [Aside. Vio. [To FELIX.] Get clear of my father, and follow me to the Terriero de Passa, where all mistakes shall be rectified. [Exit, with ISABELLA; Don FELIX offers to follow her. Ped. [Drawing his sword.] Not a step, sir, till the lady is past your recovery! I never suffer the laws of hospitality to be violated in my house, sir. I'll keep Don Felix here till you see her safe out, Violante! Come, sir, you and I will take a pipe and a bottle together. Fel. Damn your pipe, and damn your bottle!--[ hate drinking, and smoking, and how will you help yourself, old blue-bottle? Ped. As to smoking or drinking, you have your SCENE III-The Street before Don Pedro's House, liberty; but you shall stay, sir! Fel. But I won't stay, sir-for I don't like your company; besides, I have the best reasons in the world for my not staying. Ped. Ay, what's that? Fel. Why, I'm going to be married-and so good bye. Ped. To be married?-it can't be. Why, you are drunk, Felix Fel. Drunk! ay, to be sure; you don't think I'd go to be married if I were sober; but, drunk or sober, I am going to be married; and if you won't believe me, to convince you, I'll show you the contract, old gentleman. Ped. Ay, do; come, let's see this contract, then. Fel. Yes, yes, I'll show you the contract.-Here, sir-here's the contract. [Draws a pistol. Ped. [Starting.] Well, well, I'm convincedgo-pray go and be married, sir. d-go, Fel. Yes, yes-I'll go-I'll go and be married; but sha'n't we take a bottle first? Ped. No, no; pray, dear sir, go and be married. Fel. Very well-very well! [Going.] But I insist upon your taking one glass, though. Ped. No, not now-some other time-consider, the lady waits. Fel. What a cross old fool!-first he will, and then he won't-and then he will, and then he won't! [Exit. Enter SANCHO. San. Don Lopez de Pimentello is in the next room, signior. Ped. What the devil does he want? he is not going to be married, too!-Bring him up-he's in pursuit of his son, I suppose ! [Erit SANCHO. Enter Don LOPEZ. Lop. I am glad to find you at home, Don Pedro: I was told that you were going into the country this afternoon. Ped. That's more than I know, my lord: but here was your son, just now, as drunk as an emperor. Lop. My son drunk! I never saw him in drink in my life. Where is he, pray, sir? Ped. Gone to be married. Lop. Married!-to whom?-I don't know that he courted anybody! Ped. Nay, I know nothing of that--but I'm sure he showed me the contract-Within, there! Enter SANCHO. Bid my daughter come hither; she'll tell you another story, my lord. San. She's gone out in a chair, sir. Ped. Out in a chair!-What do you mean, sir! San. As I say, sir; and your daughter, Donna Isabella, went in another, just before her. Lop. Isabella! Passa. San. And Don Felix followed in another; I overheard them all bid the chairs go to the Terriero de Ped. Ha! what business has my daughter there? [Exit. I am confounded, and know not what to think. Within there! [Exit. Lop. My heart misgives me plaguily. Call me an alguazil-I'll pursue them straight. [Exit. Enter LISSARDO. Liss, I wish I could see Flora-methinks I have an hankering kindness after the slut-we must be reconciled. Enter GIBBY. Gibby. Aw my sal, sir, but Ise blithe to find yee here now. Liss. Ha, brother! give me thy hand, boy. Gibby. No se fast, se ye me-brether me ne brethers: I scorn a leer as nuckle as a thiefe, se ye now, and ye must gang intul this house with me, and justifie to Donna Violante's face, that she was the lady that ganged in here this morn, se ye me, or the deel ha my saul, sir, but ye and I shall be twa folks. Liss. Justify it to Donna Violante's face, quotha! For what?-Sure you don't know what you say! Gibby. Troth de I, sir, as weel as ye de; therefore, come along, and make no mair words about it. Liss. Why, what the devil do you mean? Don't you consider you are in Portugal ?-Is the fellow mad? Gibby. Fellow! Ise none of yer fellow, sir, and gin the place were hell, I'd gar ye do me justice.[LISSARDO going.] Nay, the deel a feet ye gang. [Lays hold of him, and knocks. Liss. Ha! Don Pedro himself! I wish I were [Aside. fairly off. Enter Don PEDro. Ped. How now? what makes you knock so loud? would speak with Donna Violante, his daughter. Gibby. Gin this be Don Pedro's house, sir, I Ped. Ha! What is it you want with my daughter, pray? Gibby. An she be your daughter, an' lik your honour, command her to come out, and answer for herself now, and either justifie or disprove what this chiel told me this morn. Ped. Why, what did he tell you? ha! Gibby. By my saul, sir, Ise tell you aw the truth. My master got a pratty lady upon the how-decall't-Passa-here at five this morn, and he gar me watch her heam-and in troth I lodged her here: and meeting this ill-favoured thiefe, se ye me, I speered wha she was-and he tald me her name was Donna Violante, Don Pedro de Mendosa's daughter. Ped. Ha! my daughter with a man, abroad at five in the morning! Death, hell, and furies! By St. Anthony, I'm undone. Gibby. Wounds, sir! ye put yer saint intul bonny company. Gibby. This is the loonlike tike, an like your honour, that sent me heam with a lee this morn. Col. B. Come, come, 'tis all well, Gibby; let him rise. Fel. This is a day of jubilee, Lissardo: no quarrelling with him this day. Liss. A plague take his fists!-Egad, these Bri tons are but a word and a blow. Enter Don LOPEZ. Fel. Frederick, welcome! I sent for thee to be partaker of my happiness, and pray give me leave to Lop. So, have I found you, daughter! Then you introduce you to the cause of it. have not hanged yourself yet, I see. Col. B. But she is married, my lord. Lop. Married! zounds! to whom? Col. B. Even to your humble servant, my lord.If you please to give us your blessing. [Kneels. Lop. Why, hark ye, mistress, are you really mar ried? Isab. Really so, my lord. Lop. And who are you, sir? Fred. Your messenger has told me all, and I sincerely share in all your happiness. Col. B. To the right about, Frederick-wish thy friend joy. Fred. I do with all my soul-and, madam, I congratulate your deliverance. Your suspicions are cleared now, I hope, Felix ? Fel. They are, and I heartily ask the colonel pardon, and wish him happy with my sister; for love consists in choosing for himself. Liss. After that rule, I fix here. [To FLORA. Flora. That's your mistake; I prefer my lady's service, and turn you over to her that pleaded right and title to you to-day. Col. B. An honest North Briton by birth, and a has taught me to know that every man's happiness colonel by commission, my lord. Lop. An heretic! the devil! [Holding up his hands. Ped. She has played you a slippery trick, indeed, my lord. Well, my girl, thou hast been to see thy friend married-next week thou shalt have a better husband, my dear. [TO VIOLANTE. Fel. Next week is a little too soon, sir: I hope to live longer than that. Ped. What do you mean, sir? You have not made a rib of my daughter too, have you? Vio. Indeed, but he has, sir: I know not how, but he took me in an unguarded minu'e, when my thoughts were not over-strong for a nunnery, father. Lop. Your daughter has played you a slippery trick too, signior. Ped. But your son shall never be the better for't, my lord; her twenty thousand pounds were left on certain conditions, and I'll not part with a shilling. Liss. Choose, proud fool! I sha'n't ask you twice. Gibby. What say ye now, lass? will ye gee yer hond to poor Gibby! Will ye dance the reel of Bogie with me? Inis. That I may not leave my lady, I take you at your word; and though our wooing has been short, I'll, by her example, love you dearly. Fel. Now, my Violante, I shall proclaim thy vir tues to the world: Let us no more the sex's conduct blame, [Exeunt omnes. A BOLD STROKE FOR A WIFE, A COMEDY, IN FIVE ACTS, BY MRS. CENTLIVRE. COLONEL FEIGNWELL and FREEMAN are discovered over a bottle. Free. Come, Colonel, his majesty's health. You are as melancholy as if you were in love; I wish some of the beauties of Bath ha'n't snapt your heart. Col. F. Why, 'faith, Freeman, there is someth... n't. I have seen a lady at Bath, who has kindled 1ch a flame in me, that all the waters there can't quench. Free. Is she not to be had, Colonel? Col. F. That's a difficult question to answer; however, I resolve to try; perhaps you may be able to serve me; you merchants know one another. The lady told me herself she was under the charge of four persons. Free. Odso! 'tis Miss Anne Lovely. Col. F. The same; do you know her? Free. Know her! ay. 'Faith, Colonel, your condition is more desperate than you imagine: why, she is the talk and pity of the whole town; and, it is the opinion of the learned, that she must die a maid. Col. F. That's somewhat odd, in this charitable city. She's a woman, I hope? Free. For aught I know; but it had been as well for her, had nature made her any other part of the creation. The man who keeps this house served her father; he is a very honest fellow, and may be of use to you: we'll send for him to take a glass with us; he'll give you her whole history, and 'tis worth your hearing. Col. F. But may one trust him? Free. With your life. I have obligations enough upon him, to make him do any thing: I serve him with wine. [Rings.] Col. F. Nay, I know him very well myself. I once used to frequent a club that was kept here. Enter Waiter. Wai. Gentlemen, d'ye call? Free. Ay; send up your master. Wai. Yes, sir. [Erit Col. F. Do you know any of this lady's guardians, Freeman? Free. I know two of them very well. Enter SACKBUT. Free. Here comes one will give you an account of them all. Mr. Sackbut, we sent for you to take a glass with us. 'Tis a maxim among the friends of the bottle, that, as long as the master is in company, one may be sure of good wine. Sack. Sir, you shall be sure to have as good wine as you send in. Colonel, your most humble servant; you are welcome to town. Col. F. I thank you, Mr. Sackbut. suck. I am as glad to see you as I should a bunred tuns of French claret, custom free: my service to you, sir. [Drinks.] You don't look so merry as you used to do; aren't you well, Colonel? Free. He has got a woman in his head, landlord; can you help him? Sack. If 'tis in my power, I sha'nt scruple to serve my friend. Col. F. 'Tis one perquisite of your calling. Sack. Ay; at t'other end of the town, where you officers use, women are good forcers of trade: a well-customed house, a handsome bar-keeper, with clean, obliging drawers, soon get the master an es tate; but our citizens seldom do any thing but cheat, within the walls. But, as to the lady, Colo nel; point you at particulars? Or have you a good duced, Colonel? champagne stomach? Are you in full pay, or re Col. F. Reduced, reduced, landlord! |